andrew6586 wrote:Wow Giambi really legged that one out. How long before he's released?

Giambi's a player-manager. He may not contribute at the plate, but they're not releasing him unless he's going to be a coach in that dugout. If this team's going to be in it in September, his presence will be enormous. It has already been enormous. Kipnis gave him credit on MLB Network for helping him out of his slump. You know he's been an impact to other guys as well.

Blame Chisenhall. His ineptitude is the reason Giambi's playing so much. Otherwise, Reynolds would be the DH with Chiz at 3B. Can't DH now because Aviles is your only backup middle IF and they must not trust Gomes at 3B if Aviles started there and had to move. Can't DH Santana everyday because you can't run the risk of Gomes getting hurt early and losing your DH all game.

A God Damn dead man would understand that if a minor league bus in any city took a real sharp right turn, a Zack McCalister would likely fall out. - Lead Pipe

andrew6586 wrote:Wow Giambi really legged that one out. How long before he's released?

Giambi's a player-manager. He may not contribute at the plate, but they're not releasing him unless he's going to be a coach in that dugout. If this team's going to be in it in September, his presence will be enormous. It has already been enormous. Kipnis gave him credit on MLB Network for helping him out of his slump. You know he's been an impact to other guys as well.

Blame Chisenhall. His ineptitude is the reason Giambi's playing so much. Otherwise, Reynolds would be the DH with Chiz at 3B. Can't DH now because Aviles is your only backup middle IF and they must not trust Gomes at 3B if Aviles started there and had to move. Can't DH Santana everyday because you can't run the risk of Gomes getting hurt early and losing your DH all game.

Why can't Rayburn play 3B? He has before. And with the way Kluber can handle the bat...fuck it if you lose the DH.

bookelly wrote:I'd love to see a breakdown of Reynolds OPS by position. Since he's moved to 3b his focus at the plate has dropped.

DH Reynolds, give Gomes a chance at the hot corner, and all the ducks would be in a row. If anyone got hurt, you're looking at a maximum of 4 AB's without a DH. Big deal.

This year:

1B: .988 (74 PA)3B: .653 (53 PA)DH: .939 (54 PA)

Career:

1B: .858 (784 PA)3B: .800 (2715 PA)DH: .739 (100 PA)

Hard to "give Gomes a chance" at 3B. I imagine they know what kind of 3B he is. If he were any good, they'd be trying harder to get his bat in the lineup. He's only played 24 games there and made 6 errors in 63 chances.

A God Damn dead man would understand that if a minor league bus in any city took a real sharp right turn, a Zack McCalister would likely fall out. - Lead Pipe

Well...if we weren't contending I say send Yan Solo down for two weeks to play everyday at 3B and make him catch BP sessions on the side. I'd hire Travis Fryman to live with him and Johnny Bench to cook all his meals.

The Indians are not overly concerned that veteran Jason Giambi is mired in one of the worst slumps of his storied career. The aging slugger was not brought in to compete for a batting title. He is on the roster to offer experience, advice and the occasional clutch hit.

Indians manager Terry Francona has stressed that point since the start of Spring Training.

"Before he steps in the batter's box, he's already valuable," Francona said. "I know he's not happy with where his batting average is, I get that, but he's smart enough to know what he can do. He's not going to sulk around here.

"You watch. He'll get some hits and he'll help us win a game. He just has to put up with the aggravation of looking at his batting average right now, which he's strong enough to do."

Entering Saturday, the 42-year-old was stuck in an 0-for-24 slump that dates back to May 9. It marks the third-longest drought of his 19-year career. Giambi went 32 at-bats without a hit from July 11, 2004-Sept. 17, 2004, and 25 at-bats without a hit from Aug. 24, 2003-Sept. 3, 2003.

Through 18 games with Cleveland, Giambi is batting .150 (9-for-60) with two home runs and 12 RBIs.

"His contributions go way further than just what you see in his stat line," Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis said. "He knows his job on this team. He wasn't brought in to hit .400 with 40 bombs. The guy is a good lefty power option off the bench, but what he also brings to the team is his experience and leadership. His knowledge that he passes along throughout the game, it's like having another coach on the bench.

"If he's 0-for-1, he might see something or pick up something on the pitcher that leads to hits for the younger guys. He doesn't have to do it all himself. His experience is what helps us the most."

Francona laughed when asked if Giambi's slump was the result of the veteran's age.

"No," Francona said. "I'll tell you what. Ask me that when he's 44. I actually think he's got himself in position lately where his bat speed is better."

A God Damn dead man would understand that if a minor league bus in any city took a real sharp right turn, a Zack McCalister would likely fall out. - Lead Pipe